Year begins with a splash

A motley crew of beachgoers assembled on the sand the morning of Jan. 1, where they prepared to wash away the old and celebrate the new year at the Lions Club’s annual Surf City Splash.

Organizer and Lion Lee Love estimated that hundreds of people braved the cold to take the plunge, following a substantial marketing campaign.

“This year being the centennial for Huntington Beach, we really wanted it to be a big splash,” she said.

She explained to the crowd that the purpose of the Splash is “to shake off the old restrictions and burdens keeping us from doing our part to make a difference through volunteering throughout the New Year.”

After Love drew a long line in the sand, and a countdown was read, the assemblage darted across at noon into the water.

An annual institution, the Splash (formerly known as the Pier Plaza Plunge) is put on by the Lions Club to benefit Canine Companions for Independence and other charities the club supports, like the surfing museum, riding center and other groups.

More than $1,500 was raised — more than double that of any previous year, Love said.

The splashers began the day with a pancake breakfast and wore celebratory gear from the night before; Zack Vuncanon, 4, even dressed as the New Year Baby, surfer-style.

Wetsuits weren’t allowed in the 57-degree water and air, Love said; she wore a lion costume.

Those who paid a suggested $10 received a certificate for their participation — either for the Lionhearted, those who took the plunge, or for Sanity — those who opted out of the freezing frolic.

Special guests included members of Miss Huntington Beach’s court and Councilman Gil Coerper.

Awards were given to the youngest and oldest splasher. The award for the youngest went to 5-month-old Luke Levassar, who entered the water with his father, Scott, a Splash regular.

“A lot of people don’t have any traditions anymore, so a lot of families are starting a new tradition here in Huntington Beach,” Love said.

Kathleen Ellis took the prize for oldest splasher.

“Let’s just say she’s over 60,” Love said.

The award for “Greatest Distance Traveled to Participate” went to two winners this year: 10-year-old Kyle Yule of Glasgow, Scotland, and Roland Wimmer from Asselfingen, Germany.

Lions Clubs are operated by professional men and women who identify and fill needs in a community. The Surf City Lions of Huntington Beach, a branch club of the Huntington Beach Host Lions, meets twice a month to explore various ways to serve Surf City through networking and fundraising.

For more information, visit lionssurfcitysplash.com or hbhlions.com.

— Candice Baker